Intern Update, 6/14/12 (Olivia Summers)

Olivia Summers, 3L

European Center for Law & Justice
Religious Freedom
France 

France. Strasbourg to be precise. The “Capital of Europe,” Strasbourg is home to at least twenty European institutions or international cooperation organizations. Among these is the European Court of Human Rights. In a place so focused on international law, it is important to remember that the price of “progress” is often deviation from true law. It is my privilege to assist the European Centre for Law and Justice this summer as it fights for human rights—true human rights, as given to us by our Creator.

It is also important to remember that behind every legal decision is a mere man. Without truth to guide men, decisions that may well effect laws worldwide, are susceptible to corruption and disaster. No person is infallible, and the truth of God’s word serves as an absolute and steadfast truth from which choices, decisions, and laws may (and should) be based.

  

 The ECLJ states on its website that its purpose is to “advocate in particular for the protection of religious freedoms and the dignity of the person.” This brings to mind Psalm 8:4, in which the Psalmist writes, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Man has dignity because he is created in the image of God. Often, protecting God given dignity means fighting against the base desires of man. Desires that seek to eliminate all responsibility and repercussions that should naturally exist for those who act against God’s law. A brief look at the ECLJ website gives a small glimpse into the sinfulness of man. Progress tells the world that it is alright to manufacture children; that it is compassion to allow, or participate in, assisted suicides, and that no one should endure discrimination—even if anti-discrimination laws force others to violate their own moral and religious principles.

I cannot stem the tide of “progress,” but, ever mindful that God has given His children “a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” I will do what I can to assist others because we are “more than a conquerors through Christ who strengthens us!” 

          - Olivia Summers, 6/14/12